How to Open a Bottle of Sparkling Wine

We've all been there... the sparkling wine bottle comes out of the fridge, everyone's excited, you twist off the foil and then the cork aaaaand... all of a sudden you're taking a shower in sparkling wine. That wasn't the plan! With this handy guide, you'll never have to worry about such indignity again.

Chill bottle--red

Ok it might seem straightforward, but it's actual science as well. Firstly carbon dioxide reacts differently at different temperatures. The colder the better here, in terms of reducing fizz explosions. Secondly... well, you know, you want cold bubbles for drinking.

Stand upright and cut foil--aromatic

Don't fluff around with your glass in one hand, the bottle in the other and end up dropping the thing. Put the bottle on the table and pull out your wine knife. Use the little knife to cut around the foil neatly and remove. If the capsule has a little tab on it, you can use that, but they break half the time. Remove capsule and discard. Leave the little metal cage on there.

Thumb over the top of cap - and leave it there--racy

Ok, we're getting to the good part.

If you're right handed, wrap said hand around the top of the bottle and put your thumb over the top of the cage.

Important one. Don't take your thumb off the top of the cage/cork.

6 twists of the little cage--aromatic

Did we say to leave your thumb there? Good.

Use your left hand to twist the little cage handle 6 times, until it loosens. Leave over the cork.

Twist the bottle, not the cork--cellar

Hold bottom of bottle with your left hand and slowly rotate the bottle, keeping your right hand locked over the top. It will take a few rotations, but the cork will slip free.

Rather than an enthusiastic pop, it should make a psssst sound, like an angels fart. Seriously.

About the Author

Banjo Harris Plane is the three-time winner Sommelier of the Year Australia and a certified advanced Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. He first cut his teeth in the wine industry working as a sommelier in Australia's best restaurants, before starting multiple businesses in the space of a few years... these included two restaurants, a wine import business and co-founding Good Pair Days!